A Look Around the West

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In a weekly segment, we'll take a look around the AL West — what's happened so far, and what's on tap in the coming days.

1. Texas Rangers (4-2) — Even after a tough loss taken to an inferior team, the Rangers have shown they are one of baseball's best teams early on in the season with several big pitching performances, the big bats the rest of baseball fears and, despite a bad outing for Joe Nathan, one of baseball's best bullpens. They say divisions aren't won in April, but they can be lost, and so far the Rangers are far from doing that. Next up: Today, 1:05 p.m., vs. Seattle Mariners

2. Seattle Mariners (4-3) — The Mariners, like last year, seem to be set in the starting rotation with guys like Blake Beavan showing they're ready to be quality big-league starters and Kevin Millwood looking like the Kevin Millwood of old on Wednesday in shutting down the Rangers' bats. Oh, and there's that King Felix guy. But that offense is still terrible, as evidenced by their 23-inning scoreless streak against the Rangers. Don't expect the Mariners to hang around in this position for too terribly long. Next up: Today, 1:05 p.m., at Texas Rangers

3. Oakland A's (3-4) — The A's and the Mariners are basically one in the same, except the Mariners have some serious big-league pitchers on their staff. There's no doubt that they will fight it out for third place in this division, a fight that will likely start very soon. They beat the Royals on Wednesday to end that series on a high note and will travel to Seattle to reprise their opening series in Tokyo. Next up: 4/13, 9:10 p.m., at Seattle Mariners

4. Los Angeles Angels (2-3) — The greatest collection of talent ever assembled isn't off to the best of starts, after giving the Minnesota Twins their first win of the young season on Wednesday night. Albert Pujols is off to a slow start, but don't fret, Angels fans. Your team is good. C.J. Wilson had a great debut with the Angels, as did Jered Weaver. The Angels' pitching staff alone will keep them neck and neck with the Rangers for the AL West crown. Next up: Today, 12:10 p.m., at Minnesota Twins